Shingles is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body causing a painful rash. It is caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Chickenpox virus can stay inactive in a person’s body for a long time and reactivate later as Shingles. A chickenpox vaccine in childhood or a shingles vaccine as an adult can minimize the risk of developing shingles. It is characterized by a red skin rash that can cause pain and burning. Shingles also rarely occurs more than once in the same person.
Most commonly, rash and burning are the most common symptoms of shingles. The rash is usually red patches, fluid-filled and break easily, on the face and ears. Other symptoms include, fever, chills, headache, muscle weakness and fatigue.
Two vaccines have been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. to prevent shingles: Zostavax and Shingrix vaccine. Shingrix vaccines are recommended for people 50 years and older and Zostavax for 60 years and older. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends Shingrix vaccine because it is more effective and likely to last longer than the Zostavax vaccine.
Two doses of Shingrix vaccine also called Recombinant zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older. The dosage should be separated by a time frame of 2 to 6 months to prevent complications from the disease. Two doses of Shingrix is more than effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Protection stays above 90% for at least the first four years of vaccination. Although, Shingrix vaccine is advised if you have suffered from Shingles in the past, you should not get the vaccine if you fall under the categories listed below:
- Ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix
- Tested negative for immunity to varicella zoster virus. If you test negative, you should get chicken pox virus
- Currently have shingles
- Currently are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get Shingrix
References
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html
